Runes and Me

My first set of runes was a birthday gift from a dear friend in the late 80’s. Though I had never used an oracle before, I was fascinated by this process and was soon making a daily ritual of it. In the early years I only worked with Ralph Blum’s 'Book of Runes' and found that it satisfied me completely. Eventually I tried others, but would always return to Blum’s insightful interpretations.

In 1990 I attended a family reunion in Glacier National Park in Montana, where we stayed on a beautiful lake with an endless beach of smooth stones. I returned home with enough stones to make almost a dozen sets. My first sets were a bit crude compared to what I make today, but it gave me such a thrill to give those sets away and to turn people on to the runes. I was hooked.

Barbara Johns

Soon thereafter, living in Southeast Alaska, I discovered many wonderful beaches lined with beautiful stones just calling out to become runes. At first I painted the symbols with a fine brush, and soon mastered the simple skill of a straight line. I was not totally satisfied with my product though, because the stones are intended to live and tumble together, so obviously paint would not last. I didn't want to settle on a product that wouldn't last. It did not take me long to realize the possibility of carving them on a lathe. (I had worked at a lathe years before as a dental lab technician. Only now did I discover why!)

Once I started carving the symbols with the lathe, I was really hooked. This is a product I am proud of. Each of these stones is like a child to me. I love and cherish each one. I think they are all beautiful! I also love sharing them with others, so they create more love and appreciation over and over with each use.

I have also always loved sewing and using fun fabrics, so it was a natural for me to create my own little bags in which to keep the stones. I even twist my own threads to make the drawstrings to co-ordinate with the fabric. These bags are the perfect place to keep and cherish these precious rune stones, harvested with love and carved with passion.

I am currently studying the runes in a more detailed way, in hopes of doing readings soon. There is much to study (as the runes are truly ancient) and I am finding it very fascinating and exciting. Using the runes for guidance and inspiration has truly changed my life and accelerated my spiritual growth. Thank you ODIN!